Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi jailed for Toshakhana corruption, serving 14 years
The ruling from an anti-corruption court in Islamabad additionally mandates a 10-year prohibition on the couple from holding any public office.
According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife have been convicted to serve a 14-year prison term for their involvement in a case concerning the unlawful sale of state presents. Khan faces allegations of unlawfully holding onto costly state gifts during his tenure as prime minister.
According to Reuters, the ruling from an anti-corruption court in Islamabad includes a 10-year ban on the couple from occupying any public office. Additionally, they have been fined ₹787 million each.
The day following the sentencing of 71-year-old Khan and his party’s deputy, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, to 10-year prison terms on Tuesday for divulging official secrets, Khan’s media team expressed dismay, stating, “Once again, a regrettable event in the annals of our judicial system, which appears to be crumbling. With no opportunity for cross-examination and concluding arguments, the decision seems predetermined. This absurd verdict will also be contested.”
What is the corruption case?
According to Toshakhana regulations, which govern gifts from the state treasury, government officials are permitted to retain gifts provided they pay a fee, but they must first deposit the gifts.
Toshakhana, situated within the Cabinet Division, is responsible for the storage of gifts and valuable items received by all public officials.
According to PTI reports, the regulations stipulate that Prime Ministers and Presidents can personally retain gifts valued at less than PKR 30,000. Additionally, public officials have the option to purchase other gifts by paying 50% of their value, a percentage raised by Khan from 20% in 2018. The controversy arose when the coalition government, led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), lodged a case against Khan in August 2022. The PML-N alleged that Khan failed to disclose information regarding gifts received at the Toshakhana and engaged in the “unlawful” sale of certain gifts.
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